Onion prices in Odisha now Rs 80-100 a kilo
BHUBANESWAR: There has been no let-up in the rise of onion prices across the state. The bulb is selling at Rs 80-Rs 100 per kg in different markets here, against the price of Rs 40-Rs 50 per kg about a couple of weeks ago. Crop damage caused by rain in several states, increase in wholesale prices and short supply have led to the price rise.
The state government has asked its field officers to check for black marketing of onions but this hasn’t led to a dip in prices. Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Ranedra Pratap Swain blamed the Centre for the rise in onion prices and said they would remain high for the next two months. “Removal of onion from the ambit of the Essential Commodities Act is one of the primary reasons for the price rise, followed by adverse climatic conditions,” the minister said.
“Both consumers and sellers are worried. Consumers are asking about the price and not buying onions. We are also feeling helpless. About a month ago, the price was Rs 30-Rs 40 per kg,” said Raju Sahu, a vendor who primarily sells potato and onion at Unit-1 market.
Homemakers said it was difficult to manage the kitchen. “Now onion is selling for Rs 80 in major markets. In retail shops, it is selling for Rs 100 per kg. Most vegetables including potato are selling above Rs 50 per kg. I don’t know what to cook. I can’t reduce the consumption of vegetables as the holy month of Kartik has started, when we don’t eat non-vegetarian food,” said Madhuri Mishra, a homemaker.
Protesting against the soaring prices of onion, the state branch of CPI on Tuesday staged a rally here. Activists wore onion garlands and demanded that the state government take action to bring down prices.
“Around 1,500 metric tonnes of onion are brought to the state every day. This has reduced to 700 to 800 metric tonnes in the last couple of weeks. Increasing onion prices during winter is a common phenomenon now but the government has been doing nothing about it,” said Sudhakar Panda, secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Sangha.